Catherine McGrath’s Debut Album “Talk of This Town” is a Gem

Here at Raised On It, we are huge fans of Catherine McGrath and have been listening to her debut album “Talk of This Town” on repeat since she released it at the end of July.

McGrath is from Northern Ireland where she has burst on to the country scene in the United Kingdom. It’s a growing genre across the pond and McGrath is doing her part to make country more prominent and I think she’ll succeed in doing so.

McGrath is cut from the same cloth as a Taylor Swift and Kelsea Ballerini. Both Swift and Ballerini are/were country singers but have tremendous crossover appeal. The same can be said about McGrath. Her voice is so smooth and innocent but filled with powerful lyrics and beautiful vocal runs. The sky is truly the limit for her. It will be interesting to see if she ever makes a full time move to Nashville to really grow her country music fan base.

On Talk of This Town McGrath gives us 13 songs which is really impressive for a debut album. There’s not a bad song on the album. I encourage you to listen to the entire album from start to finish because each song has a unique message and lyrically it’s scary how similar to Taylor Swift she may be.

Hunter Hayes actually joins McGrath on a song called “Don’t Let Me Forget.” A song about the beginning of a relationship and not wanting to lose the small things that each did for each other during the “honeymoon phase.” Their voices blend together so well and it’s clearly McGrath’s song with Hayes providing vocal support.

“Good Goodbyes” is a song about the end of a relationship but parting on good terms, rather than dragging it on longer than it needs to be. “This is a ‘Thank You, God’ we got out of the mess we were in baby just in time,” is an example of the clever lyrics that McGrath showcases on this song as well as the entire album.

Arguably the most emotional song on the album is “She’ll Never Love You.” A deadly good combination of powerful lyrics with the raw emotion McGrath adds to the song, particularly the chorus, makes this song stand out on the album.

“Good at Love” is an upbeat love song that really showcases McGrath’s country sound. This one has potential to be a top single for her as she looks to jump start her country career.

The title track of the album might be one of my favorites. “Talk of This Town” is McGrath’s autobiography about the last few years of her life. From a small town in Northern Ireland to living out her dreams, this is a feel good song you need to listen to.